Jaguar XK 4.2 - Gearbox response
Discussion
I've been thinking of getting back into an XK for a while now.
I was looking out for an XKR but yesterday I went to see a standard car which was in really nice condition and local to me.
I've previously owned XK's, but always the supercharged version , and I was rather underwhelmed with the XK on a test drive.
It went ok but seemed rather sluggish unless the accelerator was floored and then finally got itself going. It certainly didn't feel anything like as responsive as my XF 3.0 diesel S.
On reflection I think the "problem" was down to the gearbox characteristics rather than a lack of power. Perhaps the XKR version masks the lazy change ?
Did I read somewhere that the gearbox software can be re-programmed to make it more responsive ? Are they all like that ?
Pity because the car was very attractive otherwise.
I was looking out for an XKR but yesterday I went to see a standard car which was in really nice condition and local to me.
I've previously owned XK's, but always the supercharged version , and I was rather underwhelmed with the XK on a test drive.
It went ok but seemed rather sluggish unless the accelerator was floored and then finally got itself going. It certainly didn't feel anything like as responsive as my XF 3.0 diesel S.
On reflection I think the "problem" was down to the gearbox characteristics rather than a lack of power. Perhaps the XKR version masks the lazy change ?
Did I read somewhere that the gearbox software can be re-programmed to make it more responsive ? Are they all like that ?
Pity because the car was very attractive otherwise.
I had a 2007 XJR for a couple of years. It went in for a service (about 4 years ago I guess) and they gave me an XF diesel as a loan car.
No idea what engine it had but my word it was no slug, even compared to the XJR.
I put it mainly down to a more modern gearbox with more gears. Really was impressive performance, although I did think that it lacked 'character' compared to the XJR. Felt like white goods, does what it says on the tin, but just nothing involving in it at all.
No idea what engine it had but my word it was no slug, even compared to the XJR.
I put it mainly down to a more modern gearbox with more gears. Really was impressive performance, although I did think that it lacked 'character' compared to the XJR. Felt like white goods, does what it says on the tin, but just nothing involving in it at all.
HaylingJag said:
assuming it was in "sport" mode????
they are rather lacking compared to modern standards but so far ahead of what was offered 15 years previously, evolution..
D
It wasn't in sport mode, but I found it so underwhelming in normal mode that it killed the deal for me. they are rather lacking compared to modern standards but so far ahead of what was offered 15 years previously, evolution..
D
The car was an aluminium version (2006) so isn't that old.
I should mention that I quite recently owned an XJR of the same vintage and the gearchange on that seemed fine when you put your foot down.
Trawling the internet last night and there does seem to be quite a lot of varying opinion on the performance of the six speed box.
The gearbox also 'adapts' to driving style. Basically, if you drive it steadily for a while, then the first few times you use larger throttle inputs it, it will be a bit reluctant to change down unless you use full throttle or kickdown.
It will still seem a bit slow and dim-witted compared to the latest ZF 8 speeds though.
It will still seem a bit slow and dim-witted compared to the latest ZF 8 speeds though.
gamefreaks said:
The gearbox also 'adapts' to driving style. Basically, if you drive it steadily for a while, then the first few times you use larger throttle inputs it, it will be a bit reluctant to change down unless you use full throttle or kickdown.
It will still seem a bit slow and dim-witted compared to the latest ZF 8 speeds though.
This. I have a 4.2 XKR and I find that sometimes I have to give it a little stick before it wakes up and wants to play. Just the adaptive transmission control doing its' thing.It will still seem a bit slow and dim-witted compared to the latest ZF 8 speeds though.
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